Louisville basketball will get a big boost from the return of 6-foot-7 freshman Deng Adel, who has returned to full practice for the first time since spraining his knee a month ago, coach Rick Pitino said Monday.

Adel, a forward who can play three positions, started the first two games of the season before awkwardly landing in practice the day before U of L beat North Florida. He has missed eight games as he rehabilitates an MCL sprain in his left knee.

A former five-star recruit, Adel averaged 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in Louisville's first two games before the injury. His return provides a lift for U of L after team captain Mangok Mathiang left Saturday's game with a broken foot.

Pitino also said Monday that 7-foot sophomore Anas Mahmoud, who is nursing a high left ankle sprain, has not yet returned to practice.